Maharajas' Express Destinations

Ajanta is the pride of Maharashtra. The rock-cut caves of the site illustrate the degree of skill and artistry that Indian craftsmen had achieved several hundred years ago. The 30 caves of Ajanta were created over a span of some 600 years. The caves, famous for its murals, are the finest surviving examples of Indian art, particularly painting.

So overwhelming is the exquisite beauty and presence of the marble mausoleum that centuries later today, even the very land where it has been located - Agra - has been immortalised as the City of the Taj. The older city of Agra has impressively retained much of its resplendent history captivating every visitor with fond memories to take back home.

About 180 kms to north-east of Jaipur, along the rolling hills of Vindhyas and Aravali ranges lies the town of Sawai Madhopur. The town was founded by Sawai Madho Singh-I of Jaipur in 1765 AD. Today, the town is known for Ranthambhore, which is a Wildlife reserve and a place of historical importance.

Delhi

Delhi is a city that bridges two different worlds. The history of the city is as old as the epic Mahabharata. Modern Delhi, popularly known as Lutyens' Delhi, bears a striking contrast to Old Delhi with respect to architecture, building materials and layout.

It a bustling capital city and a business centre with all the trappings of a modern metropolis but yet flavoured strongly with an age-old charm that never fails to surprise a traveller. The stunning backdrop of ancient forts are apt testimonials of the bygone era and a reminder of their lingering romance and chivalry.

Fatehpur Sikri is built in red sandstone, and is a beautiful blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural elements. Today it is a ghost city, its architecture is in a perfect state of preservation, and wandering through the palaces it is easy to imagine that this was once a royal residence and a dynamic cultural centre.

Varanasi, one of the oldest living cities of the world is also known as the city of lights. The city is mentioned in Holy Scriptures like 'Vamana Purana', Buddhist texts and in the epic 'Mahabharata'. Varanasi's prominence in Hindu mythology is virtually unrivalled. Banaras has always been associated with philosophy and wisdom.

Lucknow, the capital of Uttar Pradesh, extends along the banks of the River Gomti. Lucknow is a city synonymous with the Nawabi Culture. Lucknow is also associated with its legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in history, world renowned cuisine and exquisite Sham-e-Avadh.

One thousand years ago, under the generous and artistic patronage of the Chandela Rajput kings of Central India, 85 temples, magnificent in form and richly carved, came up on one site, near the village of Khajuraho. The amazingly short span, from 950 AD - 1050 AD, saw the completion of all the temples, in an inspired burst of creativity.

Lying in the north of the desert State, the city is dotted with scores of sand dunes. Bikaner retains the medieval grandeur that permeates the city's lifestyle. The magnificent forts and palaces, created with delicacy in reddish-pink sandstone, bear testimony to its rich historical and architectural legacy. Surging lanes, colourful bazaars with bright and cheerful folks are few main attractions.

This bustling desert city is the second largest in Rajasthan after Jaipur. The mammoth, imposing fortress (Meherangarh) has a landscape dominating a rocky ridge with the eight gates leading out of fortress. The new city is outside the structure. In the reign of Maharaja Umed Singh Jodhpur grew into a modern city.

Balasinor (also referred to as Vadasinor) is a town located in Gujarat, India. Founded in the 18th century, a Second class State in the Rewa Kantha agency. The family of this State had descended from Sardar Mohammad Khan, fourth in descent from Sher Khan Babi I, who was made "BABI" (Door Keeper) of the Imperial Court..

Udaipur is often called 'Venice of the East'. It is also the 'city of lakes'. The Lake Palace (Jag Niwas) located in the middle of Pichola Lake is the finest example of architectural and cultural marvel. The grand City Palace on the banks of the lake along with the Monsoon Palace (Sajjan Garh) on the hill above enhances the city's beauty.

Gwalior's tradition as a royal capital continued until the formation of present day India, with the Scindias having their dynastic seat here. Gwalior is considered to be a city where a rich cultural tradition has been interwoven into the fabric of modern life. Also where a princely past lives on in great palaces and their museums.

Mumbai, the city that never sleeps! The most modern city in India, it captures the spirit of the changing pace set by liberalization and modernisation. The insight into the history of this glorious city is the answer to its inspiriting beginnings and eminence around the world.